Flashback Friday (London)

Ten years ago, on my way back from Qatar, I stopped in London for a few weeks. The night I arrived, I heard the news that Princess Diana had been in a car accident. The next morning, I was hit with the news that she was dead. Like everyone else on the planet, I had always been fascinated by her. As a child, I remember watching her walk down the aisle. It was on a 13" black and white TV, but I was mesmerized. During my trip, I saw tributes to her everywhere. People cried, bought flowers, stood in lines to sign books, and were in a state of shock. I signed a book in Harrods, because I also felt sorry for her boyfriend's dad. I can't believe it has been 10 years. I am not surprised that she is still missed though.

**Posted a picture of one of the many flower gardens in London.

Not Every Day

It is not every day that a person prepares for a long morning of obtaining a new drivers license and it goes much better than expected. After getting Lexi in the stroller along with books, snacks, sippy cups, toys, and all my paperwork; I headed towards the front door. A lady that was leaving the building asked me if I would like her number ticket because she wasn’t going to be able to use it. Of course, I said sure and thanked her. Once I got inside the building to see the multitudes of people waiting, I looked up to see what number they were on and there were only 14 numbers to go to get to me. I could have done a little dance. ...praises to the nice lady. It went so smoothly that I was out of there in a half an hour.

Being that it was only 10am, I just knew that a trip to the nearby HUGE outlet mall was in order. Lexi and I need to walk around in a/c, right? Plus, I rarely have the stroller with me so it was surely destiny. As we were walking around, I just happened to notice that Carters had a 50% of baby items. Since future baby boy will not look so cute in pink (his father’s opinion), I just had to indulge in the sale. As I was walking out, I remembered that I had a gift card for the Gap. Four stores, down destiny struck again... a GAP. I wanted to use the card before I lose it or it expires, so I had to go in. They too were having great sales.

By then, the nap hour was fast approaching, so it was time to go. Out in the parking lot, I got the kid and stuff in the car as well as the monstrous stroller. As I was pulling away a song I hadn’t heard in a LONG time came on the radio. That was when it was time for me to give others something they don’t see every day… a pregnant mom in a 10 year old Saturn rocking out to AC/DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long.” I still remember every word.

Can you believe all this before noon?

A Month Later

It has been about a month since we moved here and I can honestly say that is feels wonderful, yet incredibly normal. Miami has quickly become a strange dream for me. I guess that is what happens when you move to a place that you have lived before. It is like coming home.

My husband loves it here too. This was a big change for him since he moved to Florida when he was 2 years old. Fortunately, he is overly friendly and fits right in with everyone. He has a great job, but a long commute. After his mother’s death last year, he had been suffering from depression. A new start seems to have been a breath of fresh air for him. He is just a happier person, which makes everything in life easier.

For me, being a Stay at Home Mom is even better than I imagined. Besides the obvious best part of spending time with Lexi, it is nice to feel a sense of freedom. There are a million different things (hobbies) I have wanted to do for years and could never find the time for. I still haven’t had a chance to start on many, but the possibility is thrilling. I have also been able to enjoy cooking again.

Lexi seems to be developing faster than ever. She is a complete chatter box in English. She has become a little water bug with all of our trips to the community beach club and water park. She has mastered the stairs when she wants to (she likes hold my hand on the way down so she run/jump). There are a few outfits that she likes to strip out of. It is fun when we are in public and I look down to see her shirt is half way off and she is announcing that she is “nakey.” I guess there are probably a million things I am leaving out, but you get the idea.

We have also been quite the social butterflies. There are so many activities going on that we have had to turn down a few. Overall, life is much better for us here.

Friday Flashback

This Friday Flashback features big bangs and braces. It was taken in 1987. Yes, 20 years ago.

One Last Room

We have been in our new place for about 3 weeks. Unpacking most of the stuff went fairly quickly (first week), but one last room remains full of bins. Regrettably, it is the master bedroom. Every day, I plan at least a small attack on the room, but once I start looking at all of the stuff I lose interest and think of other things that need to be done. I also tell myself that I just need my husband to move a bookcase for me, so I can unpack and put the stuff on there. Truthfully, most of the stuff will not be going on the bookcase. I am not sure if that is an excuse or a way to organize things in my mind. It is horrible to have the bedroom as a junk room. Next week, it will definitely be at the top of the list. A month of living like this is just too too too long.

Caught Out in Public

While in Miami, I got use to going out in public and NEVER running into anyone I knew (except twice with poor Sofi). I must admit I became lazy on the weekends as far as my looks go. After showering, I usually threw my hair up in a clip and put on minimal or no make-up. That is a big thing for someone who has admitted to being a mascara addict (you would be too if you had blonde/invisible eyelashes). One thing I do NOT want to admit is that I even own a pair of the ugliest/most comfortable shoes in the world. I have posted a picture of Lexi’s foot because the kiddie ones are not so bad. I usually wear capri pants or a jean skirt and a normal shirt, so don’t think of sweats or pjs.

When I moved back to Texas, I decided that this awful rut would end. The chances of me running into someone I know are much higher here. I was doing really well until last Sunday. Steve and Lexi woke up with colds and feeling bad. I figured that we’d stay in the house all day, so I did my above mentioned lazy routine. By late afternoon/early evening, I was going stir crazy. Plus, it isn’t right to stay home during tax free weekend. I dragged the two sickies out to the big sports store, Academy (the one place I knew that Steve would agree to even when he wasn’t in the mood).

I guess everyone had the same idea, because the store looked like the mall on Christmas Eve. People were going insane over the approximately 8% off. Yes, it is laughable, but I was just happy to be out. After being in the store for about half an hour, I heard a guy call my name. I turned around and there is one of my best friends from high school. The worst part is that the last time I saw him, I was 7 months pregnant with Lexi. Here I am two years later, not only looking frumpy, but I am 5 months pregnant. Fortunately, two years ago his wife had just given birth to twins so I didn’t feel too bad about the big belly bump. **It is just hard for me to feel that I look my best when my belly is poking out.

We all spoke for a little while and exchanged numbers. Apparently, they live REALLY close to us. I have been wanting to meet up with them to catch up and so our kids could play, but now it is more like redeeming myself. Should I say...Lesson Learned? I hope so, but it might happen again once I have forgotten about this incident. Perhaps, I should at least raise my lazy level up a few notches.

Pregnancy Update: Week 20

I guess since I just passed the midpoint of pregnancy, it is time to update. I went to the new OB last Friday. They put me through all the regular rigmarole, but my primary purpose was finding out the doctor’s feelings towards inducing. My main worry about this pregnancy is having the baby before I get to the hospital. Last time, I got to five centimeters without feeling a contraction so this scenario isn’t unrealistic. My OB in Miami made a point to let me know that this is a real issue. That is why I am worried. Supposedly, the second time things move a long a LOT faster. Fortunately, the hospital is very close. Unfortunately, I may be scrambling to get someone to take care of Lexi if my mom or sister isn’t in town yet. I have people, but not exactly next door neighbors, so it would take a little time. Also, my husband works about an hour away. I don't want to think about it anymore. I just want to avoid that whole mess.

We have picked a name... Jordan Tyler. He is quite active and has been kicking up a storm. I have seen quite a few new babies lately. They are so sweet and huggable. Since my toddler is only huggable for a second or when she is tired, I am looking forward to a cuddly baby again.

My belly seems gigantic. I am imagining that it is like it was at the end of my last pregnancy. However, I looked at some photos of me with Lexi around this stage and they are about the same, which means I have a lot more growing to do. That is something I am not looking forward to. My hips already hurt at night. I wake up and roll over several times. I guess things are moving a long rather normally.

We Are a Happy Family

The move to Houston has defintely been great. We have been here two weeks and we are still beaming and thankful about how much we like it here. For me, being a stay at home mom is amazing. I really enjoy it, but I feel a like it is a guilty pleasure since Steve is the only bread winner.

I have a huge list of things I have been wanting to do or work on, but pesky things like setting up new doctors, getting our vehicles registered here, and getting new drivers licenses have been hogging up my days that I don't have fun activities/play dates planned. This week, I have three set up with one of my friends. She has a 4 year old girl, a two year old boy and a two month old girl. We went to a kid water park for an hour and a half yesterday. Tomorrow, we are going to a kid movie. Thursday, we are going to the library for a butterfly experience. The strange part is that all these things are free, which is nice because the reality of only having one income is bound to hit soon. For now, we will just keep smiling away and enjoying our new surroundings. (Yes - even Steve is VERY happy because he loves his new job and being a little spoiled by me)

Flashback Friday

I have been wanting to do the Flashback Friday thing, but growing up with lots of siblings means that there are very few photos of me without others in them. Here I am with my brothers and aunt. I was 4 years old. If you are wondering... Yes, I often hammed it up for pictures. I would like to think that I was protesting the weirdo outfits of the 70s, but like everyone else, I didn't know better. Besides, I can blame my mother, right?

Learning to Share

A year after we were married, we went to a wedding of a friend. We were seated at a table with a couple we had talked to over the years at various occasions. The wife asked us what was the hardest thing to get use to after marriage. Nothing immediately came to mind, but I am sure we came up with a few joke answers. Finally, she told us that the answer is supposed to be "sharing a bathroom." We just laughed and told her that we don't share. Both the husband and wife looked at us like we were crazy. We explained that Steve uses the "guest bathroom" and I use the "master bathroom." They could hardly fathom the idea. I guess sharing the master bathroom is something that married couples just HAVE TO DO.

For the first time in our marriage, we are actually sharing the master bathroom. What's more, is that we have a 1/2 bathroom downstairs for guests and another full bathroom for Lexi and the future baby boy. We could continue this no sharing thing if we wanted to. Perhaps, I should contact friends about this development in our marriage so that they can pass the message on to that couple. I think they would be so proud. I must admit it isn't tough though. Then again, I don't have to get ready for work in the mornings. Maybe that is considered cheating...

Made it to YeeHaw!

Quick update: we're here and loving every minute of it. Sometimes when you want something too much, it becomes a let down. That is not the case here. It is wonderful (except for the unpacking, which is nearing completion). Now, I'm off to run a million errands.